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seafood benefits

Scallops are a nutritious and delicious treat to any seafood lover. They are easily cooked in a short time and you can enjoy eating them almost every single day. They are most commonly prepared by baking, stir-frying and grilling them and contain healthy lean protein. If you are pregnant, you may be speculating whether scallops are safe for you and your baby. Seafood experts opine that pregnant women can have seafood, like sardines, trout, mussels, and mackerel for enough protein besides calcium, iron, omega 3s, and vitamins that help infant and fetal development. However, they also strongly suggest pregnant women avoid consuming certain seafood, like king mackerel, tuna, and swordfish, since they comprise high levels of mercury, which can damage the nervous system. However, there is good news for you! Scallops contain very low mercury content, meaning they’re safe to eat at your own discretion.

Scallops and Nutrition

Scallops contain lean proteins that include plenty of nutrients and very low glycemic index. For pregnant mothers, scallops are a healthy choice. Seafood experts say that scallops are a great source of vitamins C and A, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients will not only help your fetal development, but your own health also. Furthermore, scallops hold proteins that help mothers and babies strengthen vital muscles. Magnesium and calcium helps in growing bones, vitamins helps for eyesight, skin, and hair, and zinc helps in growing healthy cells.

Although scallops are healthy to consume during pregnancy, you still must follow necessary steps, like prepping and cooking to avoid any health issues. Here we listed out some of the tips that can help you avoid any health issues related to scallops.

1. Purchase Quality Scallops

You can bring home scallops either dry or wet-packed. However, dry-packed scallops are healthier and contain less chemicals when compared to wet-packed scallops. Select scallops that look firm with a solid white color.

2. Rinse Scallops Properly

Scallops can be easily cleaned. Just rinse them under cold water and dry them with paper towels. Remember, it’s best to eat scallops the same day you bought them.

3. Avoid raw scallops

4. Consume Scallops That Are Cooked Properly

Eating raw scallops is not safe for pregnant women. Therefore, as a pregnant woman, it is important that you only consume scallops that are cooked properly. Learn how to properly cook scallops. Most people will not wait long enough to cook the center of the scallops, as they want to enhance the flavor. This is makes them more flavorful, but it is not safe for pregnant women to consume. If you are pan searing your scallops, remember they can be quickly overcooked. Keep them in a frying pan for four minutes (two minutes on each side) on low heat. You can go for scallops that are grilled and baked.

5. Consume Scallops in Moderation

Don’t consume more than three servings of scallops a week to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

6. Buy Scallops That are Fresh

Bring home scallops that are fresh and ensure that you bought from a trustworthy seller. Try to avoid buying frozen scallops.

7. Check Whether You Are Allergic to Scallops

If you are allergic to scallops, you should avoid them. In case you experience any allergic reaction to oysters, shrimp, or mussels, you also may be allergic to scallops as well. Ask your doctor to conduct an allergy test to find out whether you are allergic to scallops. If you not allergic, just don’t forget to only eat scallops that are fresh, properly cleaned, and cooked.